Ming Dynasty - Guided Notes
Part I: Copy the timeline seen in slide 2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Shang dynasty established – oracle bones used (1766 BC)
China develops a feudal system during the Zhou dynasty (1122 BC)
The Qin dynasty adopts Legalism (221 BC)
Han Dynasty adopts Confucianism (206 BC)
Han Dynasty collapses (220 AD)
Tang Dynasty unites China (618 AD)
China Experiences a Golden Age – Song Dynasty (907 AD)
Kublai Khan, a Mongol, establishes the Yuan dynasty (1271 AD)
The Ming dynasty restores Chinese rule in China (1368 AD)
Part II: Write down important information of A). Recovery and Repair - Emperor Hongwu looked to past Confucianism to bring order.
Focus on agricultural foundation – Recovery of Population.
Repaired canals, reservoirs, and irrigation system planted trees – Repaired Infrastructure.
Efficient tax collection. Hongwu ordered surveys and censuses to collect data. Active traders in
the Indian Ocean – ports of Hangzhou, Guangzhou. Major products were silk, cotton, fine
porcelain. Traded for silver with Europe and Japan. Stressed internal trade – Economic
Recovery.
B). Rebuilding of Dynasty - Emperor Yongle rebuilt Great Wall and Grand Canal to
continue power of the dynasty. Established a new capital city, Beijing, and built magnificent
Imperial residence known as the Forbidden City.
C). Reconnaissance and building an empire: Zheng He went on 7 voyages to gain respect and
tribute for Ming China.
Part III: Make sure to understand the main reason WHY the Ming Dynasty fell.
Reason(s) for collapsing - The Treasure Fleets were disassembled and forbidden from usage after
Zheng He's passing. Government-sponsored expeditions came to an end, and all documentation
of Zheng He's trips was burned! Because of their Confucian beliefs, the Ming Dynasty ended the
Treasure Ship journeys. Despite the short-term economic and military advantages, Western
Europe would eventually rule the area if China were absent from international commerce.